In a positive work environment, employees accept their difference and work toward the common good. Because the workplace is filled with different personalities, you may come across someone who rubs you the wrong way. This negative emotion can consume and drain you and take its toll on your work performance. It can also grow into hostility and cause an unpleasant work atmosphere. By applying the right strategies, you can have a productive professional relationship with someone you don’t like.

1. Determine whether you have a valid reason for disliking the person. For example, people who are chronic complainers, nitpickers, abrasive, tactless, moody or annoying are often difficult to work with. If you do not have a legitimate reason for disliking the person, then it’s likely you and not her. For example, you dislike her because she reminds you of an unpleasant person from your past.

2. Let the small things slide. For example, if he is boastful and enjoys bragging about his material possessions, ignore him whenever he does this. His behavior may be off-putting, but it’s likely not damaging to your physical, mental or emotional health.

3. Address significant issues promptly. You do not have to tolerate unprofessional behavior from someone that you don’t like. Unacceptable behaviors in the workplace include harassment, overt or covert aggression, spreading insidious or harmful gossip or rumors, intimidation, shouting or yelling, humiliating, withholding important data and other bullying tactics. Speak with your manager or human resources department if you are a victim of such behaviors. Consequences of these types of conducts may include oral and written warnings, suspension and termination.

4. Control your reaction by concentrating less on the person’s behavior and more on how you react to her. You cannot change her, but you can modify the way you respond to the things that she does. For example, if she’s being argumentative with you, rather than engage her, politely remove yourself from her presence.

5. Improve your relationship with the person by spending more time with him. For example, your boss requires you and this person to work on a project together. By spending more time with your co-worker, you may get to know him better. You may also discover underlying reasons for his behavior, such as personal problems or on-the-job stress. You might learn how he feels about you as well. This time together may enable you to understand each other and work as a productive team.

6. Detach your emotions from this person so her actions don’t affect you, if necessary. Specifically, reduce the power she has to hurt you by adopting a don’t-care attitude. If you must work together, concentrate solely on the task at hand and interact with her only when the work requires it. If her difficult nature is stopping the project from moving forward, promptly report it to your manager.

Tip

Your performance and conduct in the workplace determines whether you receive a raise or a promotion or get to keep your job. If your dislike for someone at work is endangering your physical, mental or emotional health, seek counseling to help you cope with the situation.

About the Author

Grace Ferguson has been writing professionally since 2009. With 10 years of experience in employee benefits and payroll administration, Ferguson has written extensively on topics relating to employment and finance. A research writer as well, she has been published in The Sage Encyclopedia and Mission Bell Media.